In 1999, when Gloria Estefan completed her production titled “Alma Caribeña”, producer Emilio Estefan Jr. had an unusual idea: to have Lenny Kravitz sing salsa. This unexpected musical turn materialized as one of the rarities on Kravitz’s album “5”.
With the recent proliferation of artificial intelligence, hearing this song now might seem like a robotic mix created by a fan of “Thinking of You”. However, the truth is that the song was recorded in the studio, and Kravitz himself put his heart into the track.
An Attempt to Shine in the Latin Market
The single aimed to give Kravitz’s international career a boost. Only a few copies were pressed, and according to experts, this was merely a strategy to test the Latin market. Interestingly, although the song was included in the international version of the album, it was not included in the Latin American version.
A Treasure for Collectors
For many of Lenny Kravitz’s fans, especially those in Latin America, this single is unknown, as it wasn’t widely distributed, leaving only a few copies in circulation. Fans and collectors can still find this single on vinyl, making it a true gem for enthusiasts of his music.
Want to hear it? The piece is in Soundcloud and every other platforms.
A Star-Studded Production
The lineup of talent involved in this production is impressive. Besides Emilio Estefan Jr., Edwin Bonilla played percussion, Paquito Hechavarría was on piano, and Salvador Cuevas handled the bass. The arrangements and trumpet were by Teddy Mulet, renowned for his previous recordings with Gloria Estefan.
Listening to Lenny Kravitz singing salsa is an absolute delight. This unexpected collaboration highlights the artist’s versatility and the richness of the musical production led by Estefan Jr.
An Unexpected Collaboration
This rare single of Lenny Kravitz singing salsa represents a fascinating curiosity in the history of music. The collaboration between Kravitz and Emilio Estefan Jr.’s team is proof of how music can cross borders and blend seemingly disparate styles.
